I’m a guy. And I go to the doctor.

First, a little bit about me. I’m your typical guy. I love sports and I love cars. No one is about to rescind my Guy Card.

And yet, I do go to the doctor.

My wife doesn’t have to make medical appointments for me or nag me to get a physical or anything else. I know what I’m supposed to do to maintain my health, and I take care of it myself—like a man.

Even if I’m feeling fine, I visit my primary care physician every year for my annual physical. This way, my doctor knows about me and my health all the time—including if I get sick during the year. My annual visit also gives me a chance to:

Be sure my vaccinations are up to date

Check my blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar

Work with my doctor to make changes in my lifestyle so I can stay healthy

Remind my doc she’s totally wrong for liking the Patriots

But that’s not all. When I see something weird going on with my body, I get it looked at. When I don’t feel well, I let my doctor—not Google—decide if it’s serious.

And after recently turning the milestone age of 50, I took all the steps necessary to have my first colonoscopy. Fun? No, not really. But it’s a good way to check for a quiet killer before it has a chance to take me down.

I know it’s important to do all of these things so that I can stay healthy for my family. I have two great sons and a beautiful wife I like to hang out with. I don’t want to get sick or injured or otherwise be unable to enjoy time with them.

I want to stay as healthy as I can so I can enjoy the good things in my life. And since most of the leading causes of death are things my doctor can help me watch for, it makes sense to be sure I go see her.

I wasn’t always this “healthy” or always this smart about how I treated my body. And, honestly, some of the male role models I’ve had led very unhealthy lives. We all have reasons we avoid the doctor.

But I’ve gotten smarter and I’ve gotten healthier. I’m not a body builder or a marathoner, but my labs come back clean, my colonoscopy was a breeze and my cholesterol is under control because I take the medication my doctor prescribed.

I intend to live a long, healthy, exciting life—long enough to drive my wife crazy and be a burden on my kids! So, men, grab your Guy Cards and make that doctor appointment.